I work with paint, color, and form; elements from the history of painting often referring to color or manner of paint application from diverse areas on the art-historical timeline. While I highly value the history of painting I do not feel beholden to it.

My current exploration is in the presence and power of gesture made to exist forever in the present. What I want to happen is for the space between the painting and the viewer to become activated, encouraging the viewer to form a relationship and interact with the work.Beyond an observational viewing experience, I am encouraging engagement and participation with the painting.By eschewing the ground (canvas or panel) altogether, the painting directly addresses the viewer and relates more dynamically to the space around it.

These massive brushstrokes offer a potent exchange inviting the viewer closer, even inside the work. The intimacy is instantaneous and intensely visceral.

Donald Martiny has exhibited throughout the United States and internationally, including shows at Fort Wayne Museum of Art, IN, the Contemporary Art Museum of Raliegh, NC, and The Courtauld Institute of Art, London. His work can be found in private collections in Amsterdam, London, Paris, Philadelphia, Washington DC, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Martiny has studied at the School of Visual Arts, NY, The Art Students League of New York, New York University, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Donald Martiny is represented by Pentimenti Gallery, Philadelphia, PA.